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Gov. Whitmer Announces $2.5 Million Awarded to Business Groups to Address Labor Shortages

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

November 19, 2021 

Media contact: Elyse Walter, waltere@michigan.gov 

Gov. Whitmer Announces $2.5 Million Awarded to Business Groups to Address Labor Shortages 

LANSING, Mich. - Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) awarded a total of $2.5 million in Michigan Industry Cluster Approach 3.0 (MICA 3.0) grants to business groups across the state to address labor shortages.  

"These grants are putting Michiganders first by helping innovative employers in high-demand industries address talent shortages across Michigan," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "Together, we can continue leading the future of agriculture, construction, IT, manufacturing, mobility, and so much more as we usher in a new era of prosperity for our families, communities, and small businesses." 

Business groups across the state are focused on addressing talent shortages in high-demand industries such as agriculture, construction, energy, healthcare, hospitality and tourism, information technology, manufacturing or mobility.  

"Supporting the convening of industry representatives and their critical partners will help Michigan create innovative solutions to address the state's diverse talent needs," said Stephanie Beckhorn, director of LEO's Office of Employment and Training. 

LEO awarded funds to 11 organizations throughout Michigan:  

Grant Awardee 

Industry 

Grant Amount 

Focus: HOPE 

Manufacturing 

$250,000 

Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit 

Multi-Industry 

$249,660 

IMPART Alliance 

Healthcare 

$249,914 

Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance 

Manufacturing  

$220,000 

Michigan Energy Workforce Development Consortium 

Energy 

$249,137 

Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association 

Hospitality 

$140,509 

Michigan Works! Region 7B 

Manufacturing 

$240,780 

Michigan Works! West Central 

Public Safety 

$150,000 

Traverse City Center for Entrepreneurship 

Information Technology 

$250,000 

United Way of Genesee County 

Manufacturing 

$250,000 

Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! 

Manufacturing/Healthcare 

$250,000 

?Total Dollar Amount of Grants Awarded 

$2,500,000 

 With support of LEO, these organizations are bringing together employers, education and training institutions, workforce development organizations and other applicable partners such as economic development organizations and government to fill talent gaps. 

MICA 3.0 funding supports activities that help employers address critical workforce needs. These activities include, but are not limited to, talent recruitment; creating customized training programs including registered apprenticeships; providing support services, such as transportation and childcare; financial planning education; and success coaching to enhance retention and career mobility. 

Learn more about the Michigan Industry Cluster Approach at www.Michigan.gov/MICA.  

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